Headbands and methods for securing headbands and hair

ABSTRACT

The invention provides headbands and barrettes and methods for securing headbands, barrettes, and hair. The headbands and barrettes remain in in a desired place during use and hold the user&#39;s hair in in a desired place during use. The headbands and barrettes use a hook and loop fastener (the hook portion of a hook and loop fastener system) to interact with the user&#39;s hair during use and hold the headband or barrette and the user&#39;s hair in place.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/307,460 filed Mar. 12, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by this reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to headbands and barrettes and particularly headbands and barrettes that remain in place on a user's head and hold a user's hair in place when worn.

Description of Related Art

Headbands and barrettes are well known to skilled artisans and the general population. Generally, a headband is a band of cloth, leather, plastic, or some other material worn on or around a person's head. Headbands generally consist of a loop of material that can be worn by stretching the material around the user's head or a flexible, horseshoe-shaped piece of material that conforms roughly to the shape of the user's head, e.g., a flexible plastic or metal that is placed on the head and remains there because of its memory, plasticity, or other property that causes the materials to have a tendency to retain its shape and form, e.g., plastic or metal materials. Typically, headbands are worn in the hair or around the forehead. Barrettes, also known as hair clips, hair-slides, or hair clasps, are devices for holding hair in place. Barrettes are typically made of metal, plastic, wood, or similar relativity rigid material. Barrettes often feature decorative or ornamental fabrics, bows, plastic ornaments, and similar objects attached to the barrettes. Barrettes are typically worn to keep hair in a desired place, e.g., keep hair out of the user's eyes of secure hair in a particular style. Sometimes barrettes are worn for decorative or ornamental purposes.

Some headbands are worn for decorative effect, e.g., as a clothing accessory to improve the look of the user's appearance. Other headbands are worn to keep perspiration from getting onto the user's face, e.g., keep perspiration from moving from the forehead into the user's eyes and possibly interfering with the user's vision. Still other headbands are worn to protect the user from adverse environmental conditions such as cold temperatures or windy weather or to prevent water from entering a user's ears while swimming.

Many headbands and barrettes are worn to restrain and control the user's hair and ensure that the user's hair remains in place so that it does not interfere with the user's activities, e.g., keep the user's hair from getting in the user's face and interfering with vision or distracting the user while participating in exercise or sporting activities.

Headbands known in the art come in assorted shapes and sizes and are used for various purposes, e.g., for fashion and for practical and utilitarian purposes. For example, U.S.20130340787 discloses an interconnected, stretchy, complete-circle headband (with or without fabric covering, with or without absorbent fabric covering, with or without patterned elastic, and with or without decorative embellishment) with separate but interlocked stretchy ponytail holder (with or without fabric covering) is used to simultaneously keep hair out of the face while anchoring the headband in place such that it doesn't slip off the head. Hair can be fashioned into a back ponytail, side ponytail, or pigtails, buns and braids. U.S. Pat. No. 6,560,783 discloses a headband for holding hairs off of forehead and out of face. The headband has a cord that has an inner size adapted to exceed an outer size of a head of a user and a fastener with a structure through which at least a portion of the cord can pass. U.S. Pat. No. 5,546,603 discloses a headband having a ponytail receiving feature with a distinct ring-like element. U.S. Pat. No. 5,073,989 discloses a headband that uses clips with teeth to hold the headband in place when worn. U.S. Pat. No. 4,998,544 discloses a combination headband and ponytail holder comprising a headband adapted for encircling a person's head and a ponytail holder attached to the headband.

Generally, these known headbands and barrettes function to at least partially accomplish the purpose for which they are intended. However, headbands and barrettes in general are often difficult to keep in place and often do not keep a user's hair in place, particularly while exercising, participating in sports, engaging in outdoor activities, or similar activities. The problem occurs when the user styles the user's hair as needed, puts the headband on the user's head to control the hair by keeping it in place, and later finds that the headband moved from its desired location or that the user's hair did not remain in place as hoped for and anticipated. Typically, the user's movements caused or the inability of the materials from which the headband was constructed permitted the headband to move to an undesirable location or permitted the user's hair to become unbound and unrestrained by the headband. As a result, the headband falls off the head or is not where it should be or the user's hair gets into the user's face, mouth, or eyes. There is, therefore, a need for novel headbands and barrettes that remain in place when worn and that more effectively bind and restrain a user's hair in place when worn.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide headbands that substantially remain in place when worn.

It is another object of the present invention to provide headbands that effectively bind and retrain a user's hair in place when worn.

It is another object of the present invention to provide methods for retaining a headband in place when worn.

It is a further object of the invention to provide methods for binding and retaining a user's hair in place.

It is a further object of the invention to provide articles of manufacture in the form of kits that contain an elongated strip of material and a hook and loop fastener that can be attached to the elongated strip of material to form headbands that substantially remain in place when worn and that effectively bind and retrain a user's hair in place when worn.

It is another object of the present invention to provide barrettes that effectively grasp and retrain a user's hair in place when worn.

It is another object of the present invention to provide barrettes that substantially remain in place when worn.

One or more of these and other objects are achieved using novel headbands or barrettes comprising a hook and loop fastener that interacts with a user's hair to keep the headband in place and/or keep the user's hair in place when worn. Kits comprising a headband or barrette and a hook and loop fastener that can be attached to the headband or barrette by the user are also provided.

Other and further objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a front view of the headband in an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1B shows a back view of the headband in an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1C shows a back view of the headband in an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a back view of the headband in an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the headband in an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the barrette in an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the barrette in another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the barrette in a further embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

The terms “substantially remain in place” or “substantially retain in place when worn” means that the headbands or barrettes of the invention generally remain in place on the head where they are placed by the user but permit some very limited movement of the headbands or barrettes about the user's head.

The term “effectively bind and retrain a user's hair in place when worn” means that the headbands or barrettes of the invention generally keep the hair in place while the headbands are worn by a user but permit some very limited movement of the user's hair when the headbands are worn.

The term “single package” means that the components of a kit are physically associated in or with one or more containers and considered a unit for manufacture, distribution, sale, or use. Containers include, but are not limited to, bags, boxes, cartons, bottles, packages of any type or design or material, over-wrap, shrink-wrap, affixed components (e.g., stapled, adhered, or the like), or combinations thereof. A single package may be containers of individual headbands or barrettes and hook and loop fasteners physically associated such that they are considered a unit for manufacture, distribution, sale, or use.

The term “virtual package” means that the components of a kit are associated by directions on one or more physical or virtual kit components instructing the user how to obtain the other components, e.g., a bag or other container containing one component and directions instructing the user to go to a website, contact a recorded message or a fax-back service, view a visual message, or contact a caregiver or instructor to obtain instructions on how to use the kit or safety or technical information about one or more components of a kit.

The invention is not limited to the particular functional materials or methodology described herein because they may vary. Further, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

As used herein, the singular form of a word includes the plural, and vice versa, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, the references “a”, “an”, and “the” are generally inclusive of the plurals of the respective terms. For example, reference to “a material” or “a method” includes a plurality of such “materials” or “methods.” Similarly, the words “comprise”, “comprises”, and “comprising” are to be interpreted inclusively rather than exclusively. Likewise the terms “include”, “including” and “or” should all be construed to be inclusive, unless such a construction is clearly prohibited from the context.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms and any acronyms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art in the field of the invention. Although any materials, methods, articles of manufacture, devices, or other means or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the present invention, the preferred compositions, methods, articles of manufacture, devices, or other means or materials are described herein.

All patents, patent applications, publications, and other references cited or referred to herein are incorporated herein by reference to the extent allowed by law. The discussion of those references is intended merely to summarize the assertions made therein. No admission is made that any such patents, patent applications, publications or references, or any portion thereof, are relevant prior art for the present invention and the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinence of such patents, patent applications, publications, and other references is specifically reserved.

The Invention

Hook and loop fastener systems are known to skilled artisans, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,984,339, U.S. Pat. No. 4,864,698, U.S. Pat. No. 4,003,110, U.S. Pat. No. 3,009,235, U.S. Pat. No. 3,009,235, U.S. Pat. No. 2,717,437, and numerous others. Hook and loop fastener systems have a first component that comprises hooks and a second component that comprises loops. In operation, the two components are pressed together such that the hooks interact with and catch the loops and temporarily bind the two components. Then, if desired, the two components can be separated by pulling the two components apart.

The “hook and loop fastener” of the present invention is only the hook component of the typical hook and loop fastener two component system. The hooks on such hook and loop fastener interact with the user's hair and secure the hair to a headband or barrette that comprises the hook and loop fastener. In essence, the user's hair functions as it were the loop component of a hook and loop fastener system. The hooks on the hook and loop fastener interact with the user's hair to secure the hair and headband, barrette, or other device comprising the hook and loop fastener in place.

Hook and loop fastener systems can be purchased commercially. Then, the loop component of the system can be discarded and the hook component can be used as the hook and loop fastener of the present invention. Alternatively, the hook component of the hook and loop fastener system can be purchased separately and used as the hook and loop fastener of the present invention.

A common type of hook and loop fastener system is known as “velcro” (Velcro® brand of Hook and Loop Fastener Systems). Many other types are also available, e.g., DuraGrip® and 3M™ brand of Hook and Loop Fastener Systems.

In one aspect, the invention provides headbands that substantially remain in place when worn and that more effectively bind and retrain a user's hair in place when worn. Referring to FIG. 1, the headbands comprise (1) an elongated strip of material 10 having a front side 12, a back side 14, a first end section 16, and a second end section 18; and (2) a hook and loop fastener 20 attached to at least a portion of the back side 14 of the elongated strip of material 10.

The elongated strip of material is any material suitable for forming the headbands. Generally, the material is fabric, leather, plastic, or metal but can be more unusual materials such as hemp, bone, or other novelty materials. The elongated strip of material may be made from one or more materials that are layered to produce a decorative or functional result. For example, fabric or leather materials are sometimes attached (e.g., adhesives or stitching) to a harder plastic or metal material to provide a more rigid headband. Similarly, fabric, plastic, or other decorative materials are attached to the front side of the headband to produce a decorative appearance, e.g., to provided colors, patterns, or images or to attach jewels or other decorative objects. In some embodiments, the decorative materials is a logo, e.g., a logo for a company, university, organization, or other entity. The headbands, particularly fabric or plastic headbands, can be vary in size, shape, and appearance, e.g., be wavy, straight, or angled and come in many lengths, widths, thicknesses, and colors.

Generally, fabric headbands are preferred because they are comfortable because they do not dig into the head or otherwise make the headband uncomfortable to wear. Such headbands usually have an elastic band attached to the ends of the headband and enclose the headband such that it conforms to the shape of the user's head. Such known headbands may have comb-like teeth that help hold the headband and the user's hair in place of be made from materials that tend to hold the hair in place based upon friction between the materials and the hair.

The elongated strip of material is made by forming a strip of fabric, leather, plastic, metal, or other material in an elongated shape or by cutting a strip of fabric, leather, plastic, metal, or other material from a from a larger piece of such material to produce an elongated shape. The elongated strip of material is sized to fit the user's head but is generally from about 6 inches to about 24 inches long and from about 0.5 inches to about 3 inches wide. Preferably, the elongated strip of material is from about 8 to about 18 inches long and from about 0.5 to about 2 inches wide.

The hook and loop fastener is any hook and loop fastener suitable for attaching to and forming the headbands and useful for retaining the headband and hair in place. Many such hook and loop fasteners are known to skilled artisans. Generally, the hook and loop fasteners comprise very small hooks that can interact with a user's hair to hold the headband and hair in place.

The hook and loop fastener is attached to the back side of the elongated strip of material using any suitable means for keeping the elongated strip of material and the hook and loop fastener attached during use. Generally, the hook and loop fastener is attached to the elongated strip of material using adhesives, stitching, riveting, or other methods that bond the elongated strip of material and hook and loop fastener together, either temporarily or permanently. Glues, fabric adhesives, thread stitching, liquid stitching, thermal bonding, epoxy bonding, and many other methods known to skilled artisans are useful for attaching the elongated strip of material to the hook and loop fastener.

The hook and loop fastener can extend the length of the elongated strip of material but preferably only extends on a portion of the length of the elongated strip of material, preferably the portion of the length that is anticipated to interact with the user's hair. The hook and loop fastener may be in one piece 20 or may be in sections 22.

In some embodiments, the headband is formed from a relative rigid but flexible material that substantially conforms to the shape of a user's head and retains its shape when in use. In these embodiments, there is no need to have a means for attaching the first end section and the second end section. When the headband is used, the user simply slightly deforms the headband, places the headband on the user's head, and releases the headband which substantially returns to its original shape thereby securing the headband to the user's head.

Referring to FIG. 2, in other embodiments the headbands further comprise a means 30 affixed to the first end section and a means 32 affixed to the second end section that are capable of interacting or coupling and temporarily attaching the first end section to the second end section. The means is used to attach the first end section to the second end section and create a headband in the form of a loop when placed on the user's head. Generally, the means is a material or device that permits the user to secure the two ends together and preferably adjust the length of the headband to conform to the size of the user's head. Such means include but are not limited to, hook and loop fastener systems (i.e., hook and loop fastener system components (30, 32) for securing the ends of the elongated strip of material and not the hook and loop fasteners 20 that hold the headband in place and interact with the user's hair), snapback fasteners, temporary adhesives, magnets, buttons, snap fasteners (also called press studs, poppers, snaps or tiches), pins, zippers, and the like. Many such means are known to skilled artisans. Preferably, the means is a hook and loop fastener system having a hook component and having a loop component or a snapback fastener. When the headband is used, the user places the headband in the desired location on the user's head, adjusts the length of the headband to suit the user, and uses the means to attach the two ends and achieve the desired fit for the headband on the user's head.

Referring to FIG. 3, in still other embodiments the headbands further comprise a strip of stretchable material 40 attached to the first end section 16 and the second end section 18 of the elongated stretch of material 10. The elongated strip of material and the stretchable material form a loop that can be placed on a user's head. The stretchable material is any stretchable material suitable for forming headbands. Generally, the stretchable material is an elastic material. Typically, the stretchable material is attached to each of the ends during manufacture by any suitable method or device, e.g., adhesives, stitching, rivets, or the like. When the headband is used, the user simply stretches the stretchable material, places the headband in the desired location on the user's head, and releases the headband allowing the stretchable material to contract and conform the headband to the shape of the user's head. The stretchable material is any suitable material for conforming headbands to the shape of the user's head, e.g., elastic or rubber. Many such stretchable materials are known to skilled artisans.

Generally, the headband of the invention is a typical headband wherein the improvement comprises a hook and loop fastener attached to at least a portion of the back side of the headband, i.e., the side that interacts with a user's hair. The hook and loop fastener interacts with the user's hair and inhibits or prevents the headband from moving to an undesirable location on the user's head or slipping off the user's head and inhibits or prevents the user's hair from moving from underneath the headband to an undesirable location, e.g., into the user's eyes, mouth, or face. Thus, in another aspect, the invention provides the headbands having an elongated strip of material 10 having a front side 12, a back side 14, a first end section 16, and a second end section 18; the improvement comprising a hook and loop fastener 20 attached to at least a portion of the back side 14 of the elongated strip of material 10.

In another aspect, the invention provides methods for substantially retaining a headband in place when worn. The methods comprise placing a headband comprising (1) an elongated strip of material having a front side, a back side, a first end section, and a second end section and (2) a hook and loop fastener attached to at least a portion of the back side of the elongated strip of material on a user's head in a desired location wherein the hook and loop fastener can interact with the user's hair. The hook and loop fastener interacts with the user's hair and inhibits or prevents the headband from moving to an undesirable location on the user's head or slipping off the user's head. This feature of the invention is particularly useful for active users, e.g., users exercising or participating in sporting events.

In another aspect, the invention provides methods for effectively binding and retraining a user's hair in place when a headband is worn. The methods comprise placing a headband comprising (1) an elongated strip of material having a front side, a back side, a first end section, and a second end section and (2) a hook and loop fastener attached to at least a portion of the back side of the elongated strip of material on a user's head in a desired location wherein the hook and loop fastener can interact with the user's hair. The hook and loop fastener will interact with the user's hair and inhibit or prevent the user's hair from moving from underneath the headband to an undesirable location, e.g., into the user's eyes, mouth, or face. This feature of the invention is particularly useful for active users, e.g., users exercising.

In another aspect, the invention provides barrettes that substantially remain in place when worn and that more effectively bind and retrain a user's hair in place when worn. Referring to FIG. 4, the barrettes comprise a base element 50 having an inner surface 52; a clamping element 54 having an inner surface 56; one or more means 58 for securing the base element 50 to the clamping element 54, such means affixed to the base element 50 and the grasping element 54 and capable of coupling to secure the base element 50 to the clamping element 54; and one or more hook and loop fasteners 60 attached to at least a portion of the base element inner surface 52, the grasping element inner surface 56, or both.

In typical use, the base element 50 is placed in a position such that the base element inner surface 52 contacts and supports strands of hair. Then, the grasping element 54 is placed in a position such that the grasping element inner surface 56 grasps the supported hair between the base element 50 and grasping element 54. Then, the means for securing the base element 50 to the clamping element 54 that are affixed to the base element 50 and the grasping element 54 are coupled or engaged such that the hair will contact the hook and loop fastener 60 on the base element inner surface 52, the clamping element inner surface 56, or both. The hook and loop fastener attached to at least a portion of the base element inner surface 52, the grasping element inner surface 56, or both engages the hair such that the barrettes substantially remain in place when worn and more effectively bind and retrain a user's hair in place when worn.

The means for securing the base element to the grasping element can be any suitable means such as hinges, clasps, snaps, pins, clips, and the like. Many suitable such fasteners are known to the skilled artisan.

The barrettes are made from any suitable material known to skilled artisans. Generally, the barrettes are made of metal, plastic, wood, ceramic, or the like.

The barrettes of the invention are any suitable size, shape, configuration, and the like that proves useful to the user for securing the barrette and hair in place as described herein, e.g., snap hair clips, butterfly hair clips, French barrette hair clips, ponytail barrette, and the like.

In some embodiments, the barrettes are decorated ornamentally, typically by securing a ornament or decoration to the grasping element, e.g., a bow or a plastic figurine such as an animal or star.

In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 4, the securing means is a peg and hole fastener wherein a peg and corresponding hole are at opposing ends of the base element 50 and the clamping element 52. The peg can be on the base element 50 and the corresponding hole can be on the clamping element 52 or vice versa. When required or advantageous, there can be multiple peg and hole fasteners on the barrette.

In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, the base element 50 and the grasping element 54 are produced from one continuous piece of material that is flexed or bent in or about the center such that the base element inner surface 52 and clasping element inner surface 56 are opposite each other when the barrette is closed to engage hair. Each end of the continuous piece has a means for securing the other end of the base element, typically a peg and hole means or clamping means 70 that may have a corresponding notch 72 for securing the clamping means 70. A snap fastener is also suitable.

Referring to FIG. 6, the barrettes of the invention comprise a base element 50 having an inner surface 52; a clamping element 54 having an inner surface 56; one or more hinge means 80 attached to and coupling one end of the base element 50 to one end of the clamping element 54; and one or more means for operating the hinge means such that the base element inner surface 52 and the clamping element inner surface 56 are continuously moved toward each other by the means for operating the hinge; and one or more hook and loop fasteners attached to at least a portion of the base element inner surface 52, the grasping element inner surface 54, or both.

The means for operating the hinge can be any suitable means known to skilled artisans. Typically, the means for operating the hinge is a spring or resilient material such as metal or plastic. Preferably, the hinge means is a spring hinge.

In another aspect, the invention provides methods for substantially retaining a barrette in place when worn. The methods comprise placing a barrette comprising a base element 50 having an inner surface 52; a clamping element 54 having an inner surface 56; one or more means 58 for securing the base element 50 to the clamping element 54, such means affixed to the base element 50 and the grasping element 54 and capable of coupling to secure the base element 50 to the clamping element 54; and one or more hook and loop fasteners 60 attached to at least a portion of the base element inner surface 52, the grasping element inner surface 56, or both in a user's hair in a desired location wherein the hook and loop fastener can interact with such hair. The hook and loop fastener interacts with the user's hair and inhibits or prevents the barrette from moving to an undesirable location on the user's head or slipping off the user's hair.

In another aspect, the invention provides methods for effectively binding and retraining a user's hair in place when a barrette is worn. The methods comprise placing a headband comprising a base element 50 having an inner surface 52; a clamping element 54 having an inner surface 56; one or more means 58 for securing the base element 50 to the clamping element 54, such means affixed to the base element 50 and the grasping element 54 and capable of coupling to secure the base element 50 to the clamping element 54; and one or more hook and loop fasteners 60 attached to at least a portion of the base element inner surface 52, the grasping element inner surface 56, or both in a user's hair in a desired location wherein the hook and loop fastener can interact with such hair. The hook and loop fastener will interact with the user's hair and inhibit or prevent such hair from moving from within the grasp of the barrette.

In another aspect, the invention provides in a barrette having a base element having an inner surface; a clamping element having an inner surface; one or more means for securing the base element to the clamping element, such means affixed to the base element and the grasping element and capable of coupling to secure the base element to the clamping element; the improvement comprising one or more hook and loop fasteners attached to at least a portion of the base element inner surface, the grasping element inner surface, or both.

Any type and configuration of barrette having an element wherein at least one hook and loop fastener can be arranged on the barrette such that the hook and loop fastener engages the hair and holds the barrette or hair in place are included in the present invention. Typical barrettes may include those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 8,132,577, U.S. Pat. No. 7,882,844, U.S. Pat. No. 7,540,290, U.S. Pat. No. 6,578,585, U.S. Pat. No. 6,142,158, U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,436, U.S. Pat. No. 5,396,912, U.S. Pat. No. 5,477,870, U.S. Pat. No. 5,495,862, U.S. Pat. No. 5,666,982, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,672,076, 6,862,814, and U.S. Pat. No. 2,818,871. These patents also show several types of means for securing a barrette base element to the clamping element. In various embodiments, the barrette can be in the form of a pony tail ring or similar device for securing a pony tail in its configuration and place.

In a further aspect, the invention provides kits suitable for manufacturing headbands useful for substantially retaining a headband in place when worn and/or for effectively binding and retraining a user's hair in place when a headband worn. The kits comprise in a single package or in separate containers in a single package (1) at least one elongated strip of material having a front side, a back side, a first end section, and a second end section and (2) at least one hook and loop fastener that can be attached to at least a portion of the back side of the elongated strip of material.

In other embodiments, the kits further comprise in or on a single package or in or on separate containers in a single package or in separate containers in a virtual package, as appropriate for the kit component, at least one of (1) instructions for how to attach the hook and loop fastener to the elongated strip of material to manufacture a headband, particularly for manufacturing a headband useful for substantially retaining the headband in place when worn and/or for effectively binding and retraining a user's hair in place when a headband worn, (2) instructions for how to use the headband for substantially retaining the headband in place when worn, and (3) instructions for how to use the headband for effectively binding and retraining a user's hair in place when the headband is worn.

When the kits comprise a virtual package, the kits are limited to instructions in a virtual environment in combination with one or more physical kit components. The kits contain one or more elongated strip of material, one or more hook and loop fasteners, and other components, as desired, in amounts sufficient to manufacture at least one headband of the invention. The kits may contain additional items such jewels, sequins, glitter, decorative decals, stickers, and the like for applying to the front side of the headband. Instructions provided in the kits include instructions for manufacturing and using the headbands, safety information, contact information, and the like.

Similar kits suitable for manufacturing barrettes are also encompassed in the present invention.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a means for communicating information about or instructions for one or more of (1) manufacturing a headband or barrette of the invention, (2) using a headband or barrette of the invention for substantially retaining the headband or barrette in place when worn, (3) using the headband or barrette of the invention for effectively binding and retraining a user's hair in place when the headband or barrette is worn, and (4) using the kits of the invention. The means comprises a document, digital storage media, optical storage media, audio presentation, or visual display containing the information or instructions. In certain embodiments, the communication means is a displayed web site, visual display, kiosk, brochure, product label, package insert, advertisement, handout, public announcement, audiotape, videotape, DVD, CD-ROM, blue ray media, computer readable chip, computer readable card, computer readable disk, computer memory, or any combination thereof containing such information or instructions. Useful information includes one or more of (1) methods and techniques for using the headbands or barrettes of the invention, (2) methods for obtaining the headbands or barrettes of the invention, and (3) contact information for potential users and users to use if they have a question about the invention and its use. Useful instructions include how to apply the headbands or barrettes to the head, how to clean the headbands or barrettes, if needed, and how to store and maintain the headbands or barrettes. The communication means is useful for instructing on the benefits of using the present invention and communicating the preferred methods for using the invention to manage and control a user's hair.

In another aspect, the invention provides packages useful for containing the headbands, barrettes, or kits of the invention. The packages comprise at least one material suitable for containing the headbands, barrettes, or kits and a marking on or label affixed to the material containing one or more words, pictures, designs, acronyms, slogans, phrases, or other devices, or combinations thereof, that indicate that the package contains the headbands, barrettes, or kits.

Typically, such device comprises laudatory words that promote the benefits of the headbands, barrettes, or kits, e.g., words that indicate that the headbands or barrettes remain in place when worn and effectively bind and retrain a user's hair in place when worn.

Any package configuration and packaging material suitable for containing the headbands, barrettes, or kits of the invention are any configuration and material useful in the invention, e.g., a bag, box, pouch, and the like manufactured from paper, plastic, foil, metal, and the like. In various embodiments, the packages further comprise at least one window that permits the package contents to be viewed without opening the package. In some embodiments, the window is a transparent portion of the packaging material. In others, the window is a missing portion of the packaging material.

The headbands and barrettes are useful because the headbands and barrettes substantially remain in place when worn and effectively bind and retrain a user's hair in place when worn.

Further, in a general aspect, the invention provides devices that interact with a user's hair and (1) substantially remain in place and/or (2) more effectively bind and retrain a user's hair in place when interacting with the hair. The devices comprise at least one hook and loop fastener attached to the device such that the hook and loop fastener interacts with a user's hair and holds the device and/or the hair in place. The invention also provides methods for substantially retaining the device in place when the device interacts with hair and methods for effectively binding and retraining a user's hair in place using such device. The methods comprise placing the device in a desired location wherein the hook and loop fastener interacts with the user's hair. The hook and loop fastener attached to the device interacts with the user's hair and inhibits or prevents the device from moving to an undesirable location in the user's hair or slipping off the user's hair. For example, in additions to the headbands and barrettes described herein, the hook and loop fastener could be used to secure a pet collar in place, secure an ornamental device to a pet's hair, or position a pet's hair out of the pet's eyes or in a desired position on the pet's body. Basically, a hook and loop fastener can be attached to a device such that the hook and loop fastener interacts with a user's hair and holds the device and/or the hair in place.

In the specification, there have been disclosed typical preferred embodiments of the invention. Although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The scope of the invention is set forth in the claims. Obviously many modifications and variations of the invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A headband comprising: (1) an elongated strip of material having a front side, a back side, a first end section, and a second end section; and (2) a hook and loop fastener attached to at least a portion of the back side of the elongated strip of material.
 2. The headband of claim 1 further comprising a means affixed to the first end section and a means affixed to the second end section that are capable of interacting and attaching the first end section to the second end section.
 3. The headband of claim 2 wherein the means is a hook and loop fastener system.
 4. The headband of claim 2 wherein the means is a snapback fastener.
 5. The headband of claim 1 further comprising a stretchable material attached to the first end section and attached to the second end section.
 6. The headband of claim 5 wherein the material is elastic.
 7. The headband of claim 5 wherein the material is rubber.
 8. The headband of claim 1 further comprising a decorative material attached to the front side of the headband.
 9. The headband of claim 8 wherein the decorative material is a logo.
 10. A headband wherein the improvement comprises a hook and loop fastener attached to at least a portion of a side of the headband that interacts with a user's hair.
 11. The headband of claim 10 further comprising a decorative material attached to the headband.
 12. The headband of claim 11 wherein the decorative material is a logo.
 13. A method for substantially retaining a headband in place when worn and for effectively binding and retraining a user's hair in place when a headband is worn comprising placing a headband comprising (1) an elongated strip of material having a front side, a back side, a first end section, and a second end section and (2) a hook and loop fastener attached to at least a portion of the back side of the elongated strip of material on a user's head in a desired location wherein the hook and loop fastener can interact with the user's hair. 